In the immediate aftermath of his selection to the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2026 draft, quarterback Ty Simpson was effusive with praise, both for his new head coach and the player he was taken to eventually succeed as the starter.
That is, if everything works out as planned. Simpson comes with some question marks after a collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Rams are clearly convinced.
Ty Simpson Sends Strong Message After Landing With Rams in 2026 Draft
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite speculation–and the Rams’ history with general manager Les Snead at the helm–about a potential trade, LA stood pat and planned for their future at quarterback with Simpson at 13th overall in the draft.
Simpson, for his part, is ready to get to work and soak up as much as he can from head coach Sean McVay and fellow quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP.
He also had plenty of praise for his dad and former coach, UT Martin’s Jason Simpson.
“First off, I want to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The fact that I’m here on the NFL stage of the draft, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. But my dad, you know, he helped me along the way, and everything possible. So I’m sending in meetings to quarterback drills, you know, shout out UT Martin and everything they’ve done for me as well,” Simpson said.
“Two of the greatest minds on offense, especially with coach McVay in the quarterback, offensive standpoint. And then, Matthew is one of the greatest of all time. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
Simpson’s arrival spells the end of 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV’s outlook as a potential successor to Stafford.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams QB2 for the past two seasons, is considering retirement.
Ty Simpson Cements ‘Stunner’ Label
GettyTy Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.
Simpson delivered one of the most telling comments during his post-draft interview with the Rams media beat.
“Ty Simpson said he had minimum contact with the Rams during the draft process,” LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard reported in a post on X on April 23. “Acknowledged that waiting behind Matthe Stafford will be similar to his college career and he looks forward to absorbing everything he has to offer.”
Simpson’s account of his pre-draft interaction with the Rams tracks with the speculation picking up in recent days. Most of the pre-draft chatter pointed to the Rams targeting a skill position to maximize the rest of Stafford’s career.
The Rams are not concerned on that front, deeming Simpson too good a value to pass.
Ty Simpson Pre-Draft Profiles Called for Time to Learn
GettyTy Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on before facing the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected Simpson would be a second-round pick in his “The Beast” draft guide.
“Simpson has the command and process of an NFL quarterback, but he needs valuable experience to be more efficient in his reads, and to better understand what is open and what isn’t,” Brugler wrote. “He projects as a low-level NFL starter, with the ceiling of a mid-level starter and floor of a backup (reminiscent of Daniel Jones with lesser physical traits).”
However, Brugler floated Simpson as a potential trade-up target in the No. 32 slot, owned by the Seattle Seahawks, in his final mock draft.
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